Rain, snow blanket hilly areas, IMD issues advisory

DEHRADUN/UTTARKASHI: A significant weather shift unfolded on Wednesday as rain lashed isolated spots, and snowfall dusted areas above 2,500 metres in Uttarkashi, Chakrata, Chamoli, and select Kumaon districts.

Met director Bikram Singh said, “The rain and snow spell will intensify by Thursday, leaving a snowy layer in higher reaches until Friday morning.”

He added, “Light to medium rains will be seen in plains and hills, while snowfall above 2,500 metres, especially in Chamoli and Uttarkashi, will intensify above 3,000 metres.”

Breaking a prolonged dry spell, upper Himalayan regions in Uttarkashi, including Gangotri and Yamunotri shrines, welcomed fresh snowfall, while lower regions experienced mild rains on Wednesday.

The Uttarkashi district disaster management authority reported no disruptions to traffic movement on national highways leading to Gangotri and Yamunotri.

Dwarika Semwal, an Uttarkashi-based environmentalist, expressed optimism: “This year’s dry spell risked crops, especially apples, and fueled forest fires. Fresh snow and rain bring respite to farmers, add moisture to the atmosphere, and we hope for more precipitation in the coming weeks.”

Until Wednesday, a dry winter dominated most Himalayan regions, with only two days of snowfall this season — one each in Dec and Jan. Winter tourism suffered, with tourists avoiding destinations like Auli, except on New Year’s Eve.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a yellow alert on Wednesday, predicting 24 hours of heavy rain, snowfall, and thunderstorms in the hills of Uttarakhand from Wednesday evening.

The alert raised concerns about possible road closures, power disruptions, and the heightened risk of rock falls and landslides. The met office also cautioned about potential roadblocks, particularly at elevations around 2,500 meters.

Slippery conditions due to ice and snow deposits on roads were also expected. Residents were urged to prepare for power outages and cold weather by ensuring alternative power sources and maintaining ample supplies of food and medicines. Travellers in the hills were specifically cautioned to navigate slippery zones with care and await road clearance in snow-bound areas.

Rain, snow in Himachal end prolonged dry spell

After a prolonged dry spell, Himachal Pradesh finally received snowfall, with the upper hills, including Manali and Dalhousie, being covered in snow. The snowfall resulted in the blockage of many roads, including four national highways, causing inconvenience to the residents. The weather department has predicted more snowfall in the coming days.

Weather relief: Rain & snow predicted from tomorrow

The prolonged dry spell in Himachal Pradesh has impacted hydro-power generation, water sources, farming, and horticulture. Lack of rain for three months has caused the water level in rivers to drop, leading to drying up of water sources. If the dry spell persists, farming and horticulture will be further affected.

Hills set to get winter's first major snow, rain in northern plains over next 6 days

Northern hill states likely to get first major snowfall and plains of north India much-needed rain with two back-to-back western disturbances. Winter snowfall crucial for hill ecology and water supply to region and plains. Dense fog likely to continue until Feb 3.